John Anthony Schmid passed away on April 9th, 2022 surrounded by family.  John was born in Danville, IL on October 27th, 1944, and grew up in Attica, IN, the oldest of 5 children.  John moved to Indianapolis in 1963 to attend the Jordan College of Music at Butler University, where he received his BA and MA in voice.  He went on to work on his PhD at Indiana University.  Music was John’s passion.  He poured his heart and soul into being the chorus master of Indianapolis Opera for 40 years, directing the choir at Fairview Presbyterian for 28 years, and returning to Butler to teach.  In addition to conducting and teaching, John sang several countertenor operatic roles in the Midwest.  He had a private voice studio for 35 years, and touched many lives through music. 

John truly never met a stranger.  Whether it was his best friend or the cashier at McDonald’s, he made you feel like you were the most important person in that moment with him.  The only thing John loved more than music was his daughter, Jordan. 

When he wasn’t bossing singers around, he enjoyed history, birdwatching, reading, and an ice cold gin martini.  John will be remembered for his sassy one liners and his big heart.  John was a member of NATS and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. 

John is survived by his daughter, Jordan Steele (Ben); sister, Patty Abernathy (Monty); brothers, Steve Schmid (Donna), Tom Schmid (Janet) and Gary Schmid (Allison); as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  John is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Anthony and Marjorie Schmid.

John’s funeral will be Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 2 PM at Fairview Presbyterian Church, 4609 N. Capitol Ave., with calling hours from 12 PM until the time of the service. 

Please make memorial contributions to Indianapolis Opera or Little Red Door Cancer Agency in John’s name. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Transitions Hospice (namely Julie, Antionette, and Tammy), as well as John’s loyal caregiver Kerrie, for their care and support over the past few months.